While some might think that a runner is a runner, that isn’t necessarily the case. You have distance runners, interval/speed runners, and, of course, trail runners. A running watch is ideal for any runner, but a trail running watch is what you’ll want to consider if that’s your running style. That’s because there are specific challenges and needs with trail running. These include rough terrain, difficulties with navigation, inclement weather conditions, and the need for additional safety features. I’m here to help with details about what makes a good trail running watch, what features you need for off-road running, and the importance of durability and navigation tools. I’ll also recommend some of the top-performing trail running watches for outdoor enthusiasts.
Why a trail running watch is essential
First, when you’re deciding on the right running watch for you, let’s consider why a trail running watch would be the perfect choice. While you can certainly run without one, having one will greatly enhance the experience.
Navigation
Trail running watches have built-in GPS, which often includes connection to multiple satellites like GLONASS and Galileo. This ensures the most accurate GPS positioning. That’s integral for planning routes you want to repeat as well as exploring routes in unfamiliar areas. They usually have breadcrumb trails as well, to help you get safely back home by backtracking through the same path. This ensures you won’t get lost if you want to run on a trail in an unfamiliar city, for example. It gives you more confidence to check out new trails you’ve never run on before.
Safety features
Trail running can be relaxing but it can also be quiet. Without the hustle and bustle of people and cars around, it can be scary to run on a trail on your own. A trail running watch includes safety features like SOS alerts and live tracking. This allows you to advise emergency services or a trusted contact if something is wrong. Apple Watch even has a feature called Check In that allows you to check in with someone when you arrive at a destination or back home for peace-of-mind. Another useful safety feature is weather alerts so you know if a storm is coming and you should head back earlier than expected.
Durability
Since you’ll be running in all types of weather, from high humidity in the summer, pollen and rain in the spring and fall, and extreme cold and snow in the winter, you’ll want a watch that is extra durable. This is also to withstand things like mud if you end up sloshing specks of dirt onto the watch face. The watch should have a durable band, housing, and screen with strong protective glass. It should also meet at least a 5ATM rating for water submersion as well as IP68 for water and dust resistance. Some of the most durable smartwatches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, even meet a 10ATM rating.
Performance tracking
The watch needs to track all the metrics you want it to track. This includes a basic running workout with heart rate zones and calorie burn. But you’ll also want running-specific data like cadence, pace, elevation gain, and stride length for off-road analysis.
Key features to look for in a trail running watch
There are a few key features to look for when searching for the perfect trail running smartwatch.
Advanced GPS
First, the watch should have built-in GPS, which allows you to track your route from the watch itself even if you leave your phone at home. Second, you want advanced GPS, not just standard. This includes multi-satellite support, which affords more accurate location tracking. This is especially crucial for trail runners where the area could be dense with frees, foliage, and other of nature’s wonders that can get in the way of an accurate signal.
Barometric altimeter and compass
To get the most accurate data, you need a running watch with a barometric altimeter and compass. This ensures you can track back the route exactly as you did a previous time if you’re looking to beat a time or improve your pace. With an altimeter, you can account for hilly areas, even large kills along the trail. This can explain a slowdown in your pace, for example. Not to mention give you extra credit for conquering the hilly terrain without missing a step, or while raising your heart rate to a zone that ensures you get the most out of it.
Rugged build
As noted, rugged build is important, including at least IP68 and 5ATM ratings. Look for features like shockproof casings, titanium construction, and sapphire crystal or Corning Gorilla glass on the screen.
Good battery life
If you run daily, you’ll want a watch that you don’t have to recharge constantly. Most importantly, it should have extended battery modes, sometimes called power saver modes. This will allow you to still track your run even if you aren’t getting all the metrics. Or, it might prioritize metrics and GPS while turning off other non-essential features like background apps, calls, and notifications. This is useful if you’re travelling, for example. You can go on a two-day business trip, partake in your morning runs on an unfamiliar trail, and leave your charger at home. Additionally, it should support fast charging so you can be up and running in a pinch if you forgot to charge the night before and want to go for a quick morning run.
Maps and navigation
Some smartwatches can display turn-by-turn directions from a compatible app on your phone so you can follow the trail. The best trail running watches allow you to download topographical maps for offline access and even route planning.
Weather alerts
The last thing you want to do is be in the middle of a long, winding trail when a storm is brewing. Weather alerts can advise you of what the weather forecast is so you can adjust your schedule as needed. If you’re already on a run, a prompt warning can alert you to take the next exit and get back to safety or where you can find cover until a rain shower is done, for example, or a storm cloud passes.
Safety tools
Along with the aforementioned safety tools like an SOS feature, live location tracking, and weather alerts, a good trail running watch will have additional safety features. This could include everything from a built-in flashlight to fall detection. Imagine you twist your ankle on a particularly challenging hill. No one is around and you need help but can’t get to your phone that flew to the grass on the other side. Fall detection can detect the fall and contact emergency series or a trusted contact unless you advise otherwise.
Top smartwatches for trail running
Now that you’re armed with the details about why you need a trail running watch and what features they offer, it’s time to narrow down the options. There are plenty of great trail running watches but these are a few great options to consider.
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar
As per its name, the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar can literally last forever since it can charge from the sun. If you go for daily runs in the bright sunshine, you might never need to charge it. Plus, you’ll enjoy the view of the ultra-bright AMOLED display. Otherwise, the solar power can at least provide that extra boost of power when the battery is running low and you’re almost done your 10K run. Even without solar, you’ll get up to 28 days in smartwatch mode, up to 92 hours in GPS mode. There are tailored plans along with real-time stamina monitoring, multi-band GPS, and even built-in sensors for a three-axis compass. This will give you incredibly accurate positioning accuracy outdoors. Plus, you can download offline maps to it, too.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, the best companion is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. While it works with other branded Android devices as well, you’ll get the best experience with a Galaxy device. It’s essentially Samsung’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. It has many of the same features and a similarly rugged design but with a rounder face. It adds some Galaxy AI flavour for things like personalized daily tips. Tracking with AI will compare your current trail run to the last one to tell you where you have improved or regressed. If you opt for the version with LTE, you can also lighten the load and leave your phone at home while still remaining connected.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Ultra-rugged and sporting the longest battery life of any Apple Watch, you also get incredibly accurate GPS. A customizable action button on the side can be used to instantly start a run workout. It’s an ideal watch for extreme athletes who participate in other activities as well, like swimming or even diving since it’s a certified diving watch as well. For trail runners especially, they’ll love that it’s incredibly accurate with tracking real-time metrics as well as GPS location. It also isn’t bulky despite being a rugged sports watch. And it’s the best friend for an iPhone.
Garmin Fenix 7 Series
Garmin excels as a brand-agnostic smartwatch that works with both Android and iOS. This particular series offers exceptional GPS accuracy, multi-day battery life (even longer with the solar power version), and has downloadable topographical maps. There are features specific for runners, and plenty other options that make it a great all-around smartwatch. The Pro edition adds safety features like a built-in flashlight, new heart rate sensor, hill and endurance scores, and a longer battery life.
How trail watches differ from regular running watches
Keep in mind that you could invest a regular running watch. But there are a few key differences with a trail running watch that add value:
More durable and rugged designs
Trail running watches tend to employ more durable and rugged designs. This means in the screen material, housing, and even with the included band. They are also designed to withstand full submersion in water, not just splashes.
Advanced navigation tools
Beyond standard built-in GPS, navigation, and maps, trail running watches include features like waypoints. Drop virtual pins as you run on a trail to keep track of your location and route. There are also things like off-route alerts. These let you know if you have inadvertently veered off course so you can track back and correct it.
Enhanced battery life for extended adventures
With longer battery life, power saving modes, even solar charging capabilities as a back-up, trail running watches can go the distance with you, literally. Along with enhanced battery life, they also boast fast charging so you can be up and running (again, literally) in no time.
Specialized metrics like elevation gain and terrain-specific tracking
All running watches offer specialized metrics for runners. But trail running watches specifically add more data that you will appreciate. This can include information like elevation gain so you can get credit and account for hillier parts of the trail, and even terrain-specific tracking. Some trail running watches include or have access to downloadable maps for popular trails from around the world.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Hopefully we have the answers for you.
Do trail running watches work without cell service?
Yes, they can. Every trail running watch has built-in GPS, which means it can track your run even without your phone. It will simply sync the data, including route, with the app on your phone once you come back in contact with it. Some allow you to download topographical maps or trails to the watch’s own built-in memory so you don’t need a connection to get turn by turn directions either. Otherwise, you can still connect if you have your phone with you, leveraging your phone’s cellular connection. There’s also the option to get a trail running watch with a cellular 4G/LTE connection, if there’s a version available. This would also require a monthly plan.
How durable are these watches for extreme weather?
Depending on the weather, trail running watches can generally stand up to all outdoor conditions. As long as it has a 5ATM and, more importantly, IP68 rating, it will hold up during regular outdoor runs. If you’re concerned about extreme temperatures, check the manual to learn of operating temperatures. But in most cases, a trail running watch can handle all types of extreme weather, and even water exposure.
Can I use a trail running watch for other activities like hiking or biking?
Of course! A trail running watch is a standard smartwatch with additional features to measure trail running. It also has enhancements like longer battery life and extra durability. But it still functions as any other smartwatch. This means it can track other sports and activities, deliver notifications from a connected smartphone, access apps, and more.
What’s the difference between a trail running watch and a hiking watch?
A trail running watch and a hiking watch are essentially the same, but a hiking watch can track a few additional metrics. This includes things like altimeter, barometer, and compass. Granted, there’s some overlap, so some serious trail runners might appreciate a hiking watch for the additional functionality. But generally, you’ll find these are one in the same, with a hiking watch being a trail running watch that measures even more and likely has a dedicated hiking mode as well.
Find your perfect trail running watch
Before you hit the trails, seek out the perfect trail running watch companion. You’ll instantly notice the benefits in being able to track key metrics and see your progress. You’ll be able to keep on top of routes and get guidance for unfamiliar ones. Plus, enjoy peace-of-mind thanks to the safety features.
The right trail running watch will be able to track all the data that’s important for trail runners, sport long battery life and fast charging, and includes advanced navigation. You also want an ultra-durable smartwatch that can stand up to the cold, humidity, and even a morning run in the rain.
There are so many great smartwatches that fall into the trail running watch category. This includes the few that we noted above along with many others. Ready to conquer the trails? Check out our top picks for trail running watches and gear up for your next adventure. If you find that none of these fits your style, browse the Best Buy website or in store now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to seek out the best trail running watch for you.
